Choquequirao Trek 5 Days / 4 Nights
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Choquequirao Trek 5 Days / 4 Nights
The Choquequirao Trek 5 Days is one of Peru's most rewarding multi-day hiking experiences, combining challenging Andean trails, spectacular canyon scenery and an in-depth visit to the remarkable Choquequirao archaeological site.
Starting from Cusco, this adventure takes you deep into the Apurimac Canyon, through changing landscapes and remote mountain terrain before reaching the ancient Inca complex of Choquequirao. Unlike the more heavily visited trails around Cusco, this route offers a quieter and more immersive experience for travelers who enjoy challenging hikes, archaeology, history and the natural beauty of the Andes.
During the trek, you will descend toward the Apurimac River, climb through warmer canyon landscapes and higher Andean terrain, and spend dedicated time exploring the terraces, plazas and ceremonial areas of Choquequirao with a professional local guide.
This 5-day Choquequirao Trek from Cusco is ideal for travelers looking for a demanding but deeply rewarding alternative to Peru's better-known trekking routes.
The Choquequirao Trek 5 Days is one of Peru's most rewarding multi-day hiking experiences, combining challenging Andean trails, spectacular canyon scenery and an in-depth visit to the remarkable Choquequirao archaeological site.
Starting from Cusco, this adventure takes you deep into the Apurimac Canyon, through changing landscapes and remote mountain terrain before reaching the ancient Inca complex of Choquequirao. Unlike the more heavily visited trails around Cusco, this route offers a quieter and more immersive experience for travelers who enjoy challenging hikes, archaeology, history and the natural beauty of the Andes.
During the trek, you will descend toward the Apurimac River, climb through warmer canyon landscapes and higher Andean terrain, and spend dedicated time exploring the terraces, plazas and ceremonial areas of Choquequirao with a professional local guide.
This 5-day Choquequirao Trek from Cusco is ideal for travelers looking for a demanding but deeply rewarding alternative to Peru's better-known trekking routes.
Choquequirao Trek Highlights
Explore the impressive Choquequirao archaeological complex with a professional local guide.
Trek through the spectacular Apurimac Canyon and its dramatic mountain landscapes.
Experience the diverse ecosystems between the canyon and the high Andes.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Vilcabamba mountain range.
Discover Inca terraces, plazas, temples and agricultural sectors.
Spend meaningful time exploring the archaeological site rather than rushing through it.
Experience one of the more remote trekking routes in the Cusco region.
Travel with a local Cusco-based trekking team.
Enjoy personalized support throughout the expedition.
Connect with Andean landscapes, history and culture away from the busiest tourist routes.
Evolution uses a similar strategy successfully: it communicates the canyon, Vilcabamba range, wildlife, local villages, archaeological exploration and the demanding character of the route.
Why Choose Inca Land Adventures for the Choquequirao Trek?
Local Cusco-Based Experts
We are a locally based trekking company in Cusco with a team that knows the Andes, the trails and the communities along the route.
Personalized Service
Our private treks allow us to adapt the experience to your pace, interests and trekking experience.
Professional Local Guides
Our guides combine knowledge of Inca history, Andean culture, archaeology and mountain trekking to make the journey more meaningful.
Responsible Trekking
We believe that responsible tourism begins with respect for local communities, the environment, archaeological heritage and the people who make each expedition possible.
Safety and Support
Our trekking team provides logistical support throughout the journey, including first-aid equipment and emergency assistance appropriate to the route.
A More Personal Experience
Choquequirao is not simply a destination to check off a list. It is a demanding journey through some of the most dramatic landscapes of the Cusco region.
How Difficult Is the Choquequirao Trek?
The Choquequirao Trek is challenging and is best suited to travelers who are comfortable with several hours of hiking each day and significant elevation changes.
The route involves steep descents and ascents, uneven mountain trails, changing temperatures and physically demanding sections in the Apurimac Canyon.
Good preparation can make a significant difference. We recommend regular walking or hiking before your trip, especially if you are not accustomed to long days on mountainous terrain.
Your guide will help you maintain a suitable pace and provide assistance throughout the trek.
This is not an easy hike, but for prepared travelers, the physical challenge is an important part of what makes reaching Choquequirao so rewarding.
Why Choquequirao is the Best Alternative to Machu Picchu
Day 1: Cusco / Cachora Capuliyoq / Playa Rosalina
Pickup from your hotel in Cusco early in the morning, from where you’ll drive through Andean landscapes toward Cachora, the starting point of this remote Inca ruins trek.
Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the rugged valleys and snow-tipped peaks of the Andes. From Cachora, you begin the Choquequirao hike Peru, descending into the Apurímac canyon.
You’ll make a stop at a viewpoint called Capuliyoc, offering spectacular vistas over the canyon and the mountains beyond.
Continue your trek to Playa Rosalina, a riverside campground where you’ll rest after your first day of trekking. This leg of the journey sets the tone for a true Choquequirao expedition, remote and intimate.
Day 2: Apurímac River / Choquequirao.
After breakfast, you’ll hike upward from the canyon floor, climbing rugged terrain toward Santa Rosa, passing through scenic trails and lush Andean vegetation.
From Santa Rosa, make your way to Marampata, a high viewpoint from which you’ll have sweeping vistas of the Apurímac Gorge and surrounding mountains.
Continue to Choquequirao Camp, located near the archaeological site. Here, you’ll set camp and prepare for the next day’s exploration. It feels like a true base for this Choquequirao 5 days journey.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Choquequirao
This is your full Choquequirao archaeological tour day. After a nourishing breakfast, a guided walk takes you through the vast terraces, temples, stone plazas, and agricultural sectors of Choquequirao — often called the “sister city” of Machu Picchu. Incas Expeditions+2choquequiraotravel.com+2
Your expert guide will share rich history about Inca engineering, religious practices, and the significance of the site. This immersive exploration is a highlight of the Choquequirao trek.
In the afternoon, you’ll have time for reflection, photography, or even a small ritual offering to the Andean landscape — truly part of the Choquequirao wilderness trek experience.
Camp again near Choquequirao so you can soak in the tranquillity of this remote site.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Choquequirao / Apurímac River
Begin the day descending from the Choquequirao ruins to Raqaypata, retracing parts of your path and enjoying different angles of the canyon and ruins.
The terrain is challenging — steep in places — making this a demanding section that lives up to the reputation for challenging Andean trekking Peru.
Continue your trek toward Coca Masana (or an equivalent remote campsite), where you’ll spend your fourth night. Along the way, experience solitude and the wild beauty of the Andean slopes.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Apurímac River / Cachora / Cusco
On your final day, hike up from Coca Masana toward Cachora, ascending through Andean hills and enjoying final canyon views.
Once you reach Cachora, you’ll board a private vehicle back to Cusco. This marks the end of this alternative trek to Machu Picchu, but instead of visiting Machu Picchu, you’ve undertaken a powerful Choquequirao expedition.
Reflect on your journey through some of Peru’s most remote terrain — this Choquequirao trekking Peru route offers a deeply personal connection to the Inca world.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch
How Difficult Is the Choquequirao Trek?
The Choquequirao Trek is challenging and is best suited to travelers who are comfortable with several hours of hiking each day and significant elevation changes.
The route involves steep descents and ascents, uneven mountain trails, changing temperatures and physically demanding sections in the Apurimac Canyon.
Good preparation can make a significant difference. We recommend regular walking or hiking before your trip, especially if you are not accustomed to long days on mountainous terrain.
Your guide will help you maintain a suitable pace and provide assistance throughout the trek.
This is not an easy hike, but for prepared travelers, the physical challenge is an important part of what makes reaching Choquequirao so rewarding.
Best Time to Do the Choquequirao Trek
The best time to hike the Choquequirao Trek is generally during the drier months in the Andes, when trekking conditions are usually more favorable.
The dry season typically offers clearer skies and better visibility, although weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains.
The rainy season can bring wet and slippery trails, but it can also produce greener landscapes and a different atmosphere along the route.
Before booking, we recommend checking current seasonal conditions and planning your equipment accordingly.
Do not publish exact months until we verify your current operational season.
Choquequirao Trek 5 Days – Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need for the Choquequirao Trek?
Our itinerary takes 5 days and 4 nights, allowing enough time to hike to Choquequirao, explore the archaeological site and return to Cusco.
Is the Choquequirao Trek difficult?
Yes. The Choquequirao Trek is considered a challenging hike because of steep ascents, descents, elevation changes and long trekking days.
Does the 5-day Choquequirao Trek include Machu Picchu?
No. This 5-day itinerary focuses exclusively on the Choquequirao archaeological site. Travelers who want to combine Choquequirao with Machu Picchu should choose a longer itinerary.
Esto es importante porque Alpaca también deja muy claro que su 5D/4N de Choquequirao no visita Machu Picchu, mientras que ofrece un producto separado que combina ambos destinos.
Where does the Choquequirao Trek start?
The trek begins with transportation from Cusco toward the trailhead in the region of the Apurimac Canyon.
Do I need a permit for Choquequirao?
The route does not operate under the same limited daily permit system as the Classic Inca Trail, but an entrance fee to the Choquequirao archaeological site is required.
Can I do the Choquequirao Trek privately?
Yes. A private trek allows greater flexibility with pacing, support and the overall trekking experience.
What should I pack for the Choquequirao Trek?
You should bring hiking boots, rain protection, warm layers, sun protection, a water bottle, personal medication, a headlamp and other essential trekking equipment.
All necessary land transport
(private vehicle)
Entrance fee to Choquequirao
English speaking tour guide
Camp cook, pack animals and
mule drivers, camp assistant(s). Mules carry up to 8 kg of the passengers’ personal gear.
Camping equipment: Two-person
tents, kitchen and/or dining tent, and toilet tent
Inflatable mattress
Food: Breakfast, lunch, and
dinner as described in the itinerary
Snacks in the morning,
including fruits, chocolate, candies, etc
Hot drinks in the afternoon
(tea or coffee)
First-aid kit
Trips Managed by Local Experts
Easy, Fast, Risk-Free Bookings
Personalized Small Group Tours
Great Value for Money
Unique, Customized Itineraries
Best Local Certified Guides
Passport
A daypack
Warm clothes (for the Andean highlands)
Rain jacket
Long sleeved shirts (cotton)
Shorts for walking (optional)
Hiking boots
Swimming gear and sandals
Cap and sunglasses
Walking poles (optional)
Insect repellent
Sun block
Water bottle for the first day (we will refill your bottle with boiled water during the trek)
Binoculars for bird watching enthusiasts
Flashlight
Digital camera
Important detail: Participants must be in good physical condition to be part of this adventure (try to train by
walking each day for at least two weeks before departure).
Not included
Sleeping bag (available for hire at an additional cost)
Travel insurance
Meals not included in the itinerary
Tips for guides
Tips for staff
Includes
Not Includes
WHY CHOOSE inca land adventures?
Inca Land Adventures is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. Inca Land Adventures is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.
Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.
We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family. We ensure they are supported financially by offering them a fair salary. We are so proud of our team! Without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.
Private Service Prices : 2026 person
1 Person US$1650.00 per person
2 people : US$950.00 per person
3 people : US$900.00 per person
4 people : US$850.00 per person
5 people : US$800.00 per person
6+ people : US$750.00 per person.
Extra information
18 to 25 years old: $30 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of
student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
Under 18 years old: $30 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Under 11 years old: $40 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Group of 5 or more: $30 USD – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.
EXTRAS
EXTRAS. Confort package usd 120.00
Sleeping Bag –per trek (It will be clean and warm)
Air Mattress –per trek (Therma rest mattresses)
Walking Poles - per pair per trek (Professional poles that can be extended)
Pillow per trek:
Personal tent- $35 USD – (Tent is for single trekkers only)
Single supplement-$35 USD per night (for solo travellers with single room)
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price!
BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail
OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be ridden if you get tired or sick
Contact
Reach out for personalized trekking plans
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